SI Scholarship Deadlines 2027: Key Dates for the 2028 Intake

📅 Last Updated September 2026

👨‍💻 Reviewed By Christian Chinonso

⏱️ Reading Time Approximately 10–12 minutes


📚 Sources Reviewed Official Swedish Institute scholarship portal (apply-scholarships.si.se), SI Scholarship for Global Professionals call for applications, University Admissions Sweden key dates for autumn 2027, and the confirmed 2026/2027 cycle timeline used as the basis for projecting the 2028 intake dates below.

Quick Answer

The SI Scholarship has two separate deadlines — and the first one is the one that catches most applicants out. Based on the Swedish Institute’s confirmed cycle pattern, you must apply to a Swedish master’s programme through University Admissions by 15 January 2027 (confirmed by University Admissions Sweden).

The scholarship application window is expected to open on 9 February 2027 and close on 25 February 2027 at 14:59 CET. Admission results are expected on 26 March 2027, and scholarship recipients are expected to be announced on 23 April 2027.

Successful candidates must accept their offer by 30 May 2027. Missing the January university deadline disqualifies you from the scholarship entirely — there is no workaround.

👉 Mark both deadlines in your calendar now. The scholarship application window is only 16 days long. SI typically announces official dates for the upcoming cycle in mid-November — confirm on si.se before finalizing your plans.

The SI Scholarship for Global Professionals has two deadlines, and confusing them is the single most common reason applicants lose their chance at the scholarship. The first is the university application deadline in January. The second is the scholarship application deadline in February. You must meet both.

This guide covers the 2028 intake (autumn 2027/2028 academic year). The application deadlines fall in early 2027. All scholarship dates are presented as expected based on the Swedish Institute’s confirmed cycle pattern. SI typically announces official dates for the upcoming cycle in mid-November — always confirm on si.se before planning around them.

This guide lays out the complete SI Scholarship timeline — every date you need to know, from the university application window through to the scholarship acceptance deadline. If you are still confirming your eligibility, start with our SI Scholarship Eligibility Requirements guide. To understand the competition you are up against, see SI Scholarship Acceptance Rate.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Dates marked “expected” are projected from the confirmed 2026/2027 cycle. The university application deadline (15 January 2027) is confirmed by University Admissions Sweden.

SI Scholarship Deadlines at a Glance

Here is the complete deadline picture for the 2028 intake (autumn semester 2027/2028). All dates are expected based on SI’s confirmed cycle pattern, unless marked as confirmed.

Milestone Date Status
University application opens 16 October 2026 Confirmed
University application deadline 15 January 2027 Confirmed
Application fee deadline (SEK 900) 1 February 2027 Confirmed
Supporting documents deadline 1 February 2027 Confirmed
Scholarship portal opens 9 February 2027 (expected) Expected
Scholarship deadline 25 February 2027, 14:59 CET (expected) Expected
Admission results published 26 March 2027 (expected) Expected
Scholarship results announced 23 April 2027 (expected) Expected
Offer emails sent 24–26 April 2027 (expected) Expected
Offer acceptance deadline 30 May 2027 (expected) Expected

Dates marked “expected” are projected from SI’s confirmed 2026/2027 cycle pattern. University Admissions dates for autumn 2027 are confirmed. SI has not yet published final 2027/2028 dates — always confirm on apply-scholarships.si.se before planning around them.

The Two Deadlines You Must Meet

The SI Scholarship application process has two sequential steps. Each has its own deadline. Failing either one disqualifies you from the scholarship.

📅 Deadline 1: University Application — 15 January 2027

You must apply to an eligible master’s programme through universityadmissions.se by 15 January 2027 (confirmed). This is the foundational step — without an eligible programme application, you cannot apply for the scholarship at all.

  • What to do: Apply for one or more eligible master’s programmes, pay the application fee (SEK 900), and submit all required documents.
  • Where: universityadmissions.se (the official Swedish university admissions portal).
  • Supporting documents deadline: 1 February 2027 (confirmed).
  • Consequence of missing it: You cannot apply for the SI Scholarship in this cycle. There is no workaround.

📅 Deadline 2: Scholarship Application — 25 February 2027, 14:59 CET (Expected)

The scholarship portal is expected to open on 9 February 2027 and close on 25 February 2027 at 14:59 CET. This is a 16-day window — the shortest deadline in the entire process.

  • What to do: Submit your SI Scholarship application through the official portal (apply-scholarships.si.se).
  • What you need: Your university application number, your proof of work and leadership experience forms, and your motivation letter.
  • Consequence of missing it: You cannot be considered for the scholarship, even if you are admitted to an eligible programme.

⚠️ Critical: The university deadline (15 January) is 41 days earlier than the scholarship deadline (25 February). Many applicants focus on the February date and miss the January one entirely. Mark both dates now.

💡 LearnViaHub Tip: Do not wait until 9 February to start preparing your scholarship application. Draft your work and leadership forms in December or January, while you are still waiting for university admission results. The 16-day window is too short to write everything from scratch.

The Full SI Scholarship Timeline: Month by Month

Here is what happens at each stage, from the opening of university applications through to the scholarship acceptance deadline.

🗓️ October 2026 — University Applications Open

The Swedish university admissions portal opens on 16 October 2026 (confirmed). Start researching eligible master’s programmes and preparing your application documents. The SI eligible programme list is published in mid-November 2026.

🗓️ January 2027 — University Application Deadline

The university application deadline is 15 January 2027 (confirmed). Submit your programme applications and pay the application fee (SEK 900) by 1 February 2027. Missing the 15 January deadline disqualifies you from the SI Scholarship.

🗓️ 9 February 2027 — Scholarship Portal Opens (Expected)

The SI Scholarship application portal is expected to open on 9 February 2027. You will need your University Admissions application number to complete the scholarship application.

🗓️ 25 February 2027 — Scholarship Application Deadline (Expected)

The scholarship portal is expected to close at 14:59 CET on 25 February 2027. The application window is only 16 days. There is no late submission and no extension. The work experience cut-off date for the 2027/2028 cycle is expected to be February 2027 — your 3,000 hours must be completed by this date.

🗓️ 26 March 2027 — University Admission Results (Expected)

Admission results for master’s programmes are expected to be published on 26 March 2027. You must be admitted (or conditionally admitted) to an eligible programme to be considered for the scholarship. Roughly half of SI applicants are eliminated at this stage.

🗓️ 23 April 2027 — Scholarship Results Announced (Expected)

The list of successful SI Scholarship recipients is expected to be published on si.se on 23 April 2027. The Swedish Institute also announces results for the Pioneering Women in STEM scholarship on the same day.

🗓️ 24–26 April 2027 — Offer Emails Sent (Expected)

Official scholarship offer emails are expected to be sent to successful candidates between 24 and 26 April 2027. Check the email address you used on your application — this is the only way SI communicates offers.

🗓️ 30 May 2027 — Offer Acceptance Deadline (Expected)

The deadline for successful candidates to accept their SI Scholarship offer is expected to be 30 May 2027. Acceptance is confirmed through the SI portal (apply-scholarships.si.se), not by replying to the offer email. If you do not accept by this date, your offer is withdrawn and may be offered to a reserve list candidate. SI typically maintains a small reserve list (27 candidates for the 2026/27 cycle).

Need a complete walkthrough of the application process? See our SI Scholarship Eligibility Requirements guide or SI Scholarship Acceptance Rate analysis.

What Happens After You Submit

Once you have submitted both applications, here is what to expect — and what not to do.

✅ What You Should Do

  • Wait for admission results. The university admission results are expected on 26 March 2027. There is nothing you can do to speed this up.
  • Monitor your email. SI sends offer emails between 24–26 April 2027 (expected). Check spam and promotions folders.
  • Prepare your documents. If you are selected, you will need to provide proof of your degree and other documents for the visa process.
  • Plan a backup. Have a funding plan B in case you are not selected. Explore university-specific scholarships and other funding sources. For a full list of options, see our fully funded scholarships guide.

❌ What You Should NOT Do

  • Do not email SI to ask about your application status. All communication is through the portal and email.
  • Do not submit a late application. The portal closes automatically at 14:59 CET on 25 February 2027 (expected). There are no extensions.
  • Do not assume silence means rejection. SI does not send confirmation of receipt for every application. The only official communication is the offer email in April.
  • Do not pay the tuition fee before you know your scholarship result — but check your university’s deadline. If you are selected for SI, the scholarship covers tuition. However, some Swedish universities require the first tuition installment to secure your place after admission. If you do not pay by the university’s deadline, you may lose your spot — even if you are later selected for SI. Contact your university’s admissions office if you are unsure.

Common SI Scholarship Deadline Mistakes

Every cycle, strong applicants lose their chance at the SI Scholarship for avoidable reasons. Here are the ones to watch for.

1. Missing the University Application Deadline

The 15 January deadline is the one most applicants miss. If you do not apply to an eligible master’s programme by this date, you cannot apply for the scholarship at all. There is no late application and no workaround.

2. Waiting Until 9 February to Start the Scholarship Application

The scholarship application window is only 16 days. Draft your work and leadership forms and motivation letter before the portal opens. Do not start from scratch on 9 February.

3. Submitting on the Final Day

The SI portal slows dramatically in the final 24–48 hours before the deadline. Submit at least 3–5 days early to avoid upload failures or document issues.

4. Using the Wrong Work Experience Template

SI requires the current year’s proof of work and leadership experience form. Using a previous year’s template results in automatic disqualification. Download the current template from the SI portal.

5. Forgetting to Accept the Offer

If you are selected, you must accept the offer by 30 May 2027 (expected). Many applicants assume the offer is automatic once they are selected. It is not — you must confirm acceptance through the SI portal, not by replying to the offer email.

6. Assuming the Scholarship Covers Everything

The SI Scholarship covers tuition, a living stipend, a travel grant, and insurance. It does not cover family members, personal expenses beyond the stipend, or the university application fee (SEK 900). Plan your finances accordingly.

7. Applying to the Wrong Programme

Only programmes on SI’s official list of eligible master’s programmes qualify for the scholarship. Check the list — published in mid-November 2026 — before you apply.

SI Scholarship Deadlines FAQs

What is the deadline for the SI Scholarship?

The scholarship application deadline is expected to be 25 February 2027 at 14:59 CET. However, you must also apply to a Swedish master’s programme by 15 January 2027 (confirmed) to be eligible. Both deadlines are mandatory. SI typically announces official dates in mid-November — confirm on si.se.

When does the SI Scholarship application portal open?

The portal is expected to open on 9 February 2027 and close on 25 February 2027 at 14:59 CET (expected). The application window is 16 days — the shortest deadline in the process.

What is the university application deadline?

The university application deadline is 15 January 2027 (confirmed). You must apply through universityadmissions.se and pay the application fee (SEK 900) by 1 February 2027. Missing this deadline disqualifies you from the SI Scholarship entirely.

When are the admission results published?

University admission results are expected to be published on 26 March 2027 on universityadmissions.se. You must be admitted (or conditionally admitted) to an eligible programme to be considered for the scholarship.

When are the SI Scholarship results announced?

The list of successful SI Scholarship recipients is expected to be published on si.se on 23 April 2027. Official offer emails are expected between 24 and 26 April 2027.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

There is no late application and no extension for either deadline. If you miss the university deadline (15 January), you cannot apply for the scholarship. If you miss the scholarship deadline (25 February), you cannot be considered for the scholarship.

When must I accept the scholarship offer?

The deadline to accept your SI Scholarship offer is expected to be 30 May 2027. Acceptance is confirmed through the SI portal, not by replying to the offer email. If you do not accept by this date, your offer is withdrawn and may be offered to a reserve list candidate.

What is the work experience cut-off date for the SI Scholarship?

The work experience cut-off date for the 2027/2028 cycle is expected to be February 2027 — your 3,000 hours must be completed by this date. SI confirms the exact cut-off date when the application window opens. Ensure your hours are documented and verified before the portal opens.

Can I apply for the SI Scholarship and other scholarships at the same time?

Yes. The SI Scholarship does not prohibit applying for other scholarships. If you are also applying to Oxford or Stanford, consider the Clarendon Fund, Rhodes Scholarship, and Knight-Hennessy Scholars. For a full list of options, see our fully funded scholarships guide.

Your Next Step

Now that you know the deadlines, here is how to move forward.

Your SI Scholarship Deadline Action Plan

  1. Confirm your eligibility first. Check the 34-country list, the 3,000-hour work experience rule, and the leadership requirement. See SI Scholarship Eligibility Requirements.
  2. Mark 15 January 2027 in your calendar. This is the university application deadline (confirmed). Apply through universityadmissions.se and pay the application fee (SEK 900) by 1 February 2027.
  3. Draft your work and leadership forms in December 2026 or January 2027. Do not wait until the scholarship portal opens on 9 February.
  4. Submit your scholarship application by 25 February 2027 at 14:59 CET (expected). Do not leave it to the final day.
  5. Check your email in late April 2027. SI is expected to send offer emails between 24–26 April 2027.
  6. Accept your offer by 30 May 2027 (expected) if selected. Do not forget this step — it is mandatory and confirmed through the SI portal.
  7. Apply for parallel scholarships. Consider Clarendon, Rhodes, and Knight-Hennessy if you are applying to Oxford or Stanford. For a full list of options, see our fully funded scholarships guide.

New to the SI Scholarship? Read the complete SI Scholarship guide. Not sure if you qualify? See SI Scholarship Eligibility Requirements. Want to understand your odds? See SI Scholarship Acceptance Rate.

📋 Sources & Methodology

This guide was compiled from the official Swedish Institute scholarship portal (apply-scholarships.si.se), the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals call for applications, University Admissions Sweden key dates for autumn 2027, and the confirmed 2026/2027 cycle timeline.

The Swedish Institute follows a consistent annual pattern, so the 2027/2028 scholarship dates above are projected from that pattern. University Admissions dates for autumn 2027 are confirmed. Final confirmed SI dates will be published on si.se in mid-November 2026 — always verify before planning around them.

Content written by LearnViaHub team, reviewed by Christian Chinonso.

Disclaimer: Deadlines change annually. This guide was last reviewed in September 2026. Dates marked “expected” are projected from SI’s confirmed 2026/2027 cycle pattern. Always verify dates on the official Swedish Institute website (si.se) and University Admissions Sweden before applying. We are not affiliated with the Swedish Institute or any scholarship provider.

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